First Minister Alex Salmond MSP joined Provost Tom Curley and Tom Clarke, MP to unveil a new life-sized bronze statue of a miner in the memorial gardens at Auchengeich Miners' Welfare.

It replaces the statue stolen two months after it was erected in September last year.

The original statue was unveiled last September on the 50th anniversary of the local mining disaster which claimed the lives of 47 men. Within two months of the unveiling, it was ripped from its mounting and disappeared.

Following a massive public outcry over the theft, North Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire councils provided the £25,000 needed to replace the statue. The new statue contains the latest state-of-the-art technology allowing it to be continually monitored by police and council officials.

Speaking at today's unveiling Provost Curley thanked the First Minister for attending the ceremony and added: "When I was told about the theft my emotions were a mixture of sadness and disbelief. This is something that should not have happened. This went beyond theft. This was playing with grief, a grief I shared.

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"I am really delighted to be here today to welcome home your miner. This has been achieved by the hard work of lots of people and the co-operation and efforts of North Lanarkshireand East Dunbartonshire Councils."

First Minister Alex Salmond told the audience: "Today is about a community overcoming adversity. The Auchengeich miner has been restored to its rightful place thanks to the determination of all those who were not beaten by this act of theft.

"I was privileged to unveil this poignant and fitting tribute to the memory of the 47 brave men who lost their lives at Auchengeich Colliery.

"I share the outrage and anger of the local community, who lost so many husbands, fathers, brothers and sons half a century ago, and who have suffered yet more heartache as a result of this senseless crime.

"The original sculptor by John McKenna was magnificent, so it is fantastic to be here again to unveil a replacement of this wonderful work of art.

"I would like to pay tribute to North Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire Councils, as well as the people of Auchengeich and Moodiesburn, for their resolution and commitment to turning this terrible theft into a positive event.

"I am truly delighted to officially unveil this statue for a second time, and welcome Auchengeich's marvellous miner back home."

(GK)